Company Profile
A/C/A Associates, Inc. is a manufacturers’ representative company that provides complete sales representation and sales management for small to medium-sized manufacturers of toys, sporting goods, and entertainment/license-based products.
Standard services include:
¨ Detailed product and program knowledge
¨ Timely presentation to retail buyers
¨ Superior follow-up and follow-through
¨ Excellent communication
¨ Attendance at sales meetings and shows
A/C/A Associates will also provide expert knowledge and feedback on market trends and the needs and expectations of buyers. We consult on all aspects of each program proposal from inception to execution to make the manufacturers’ efforts most successful. A/C/A Associates will always provide clients with a multi-faceted look at managing and securing sales and product distribution. We provide a full-time, trained office staff available to support Manufacturers and Customers with all needs.
A/C/A Associates offers manufacturers the strong level of national and regional account management that you would expect from in-house representation, with primary coverage in the Midwestern area of the United States and specializing in the unique Farm Store Channel.
Standard services include:
¨ Detailed product and program knowledge
¨ Timely presentation to retail buyers
¨ Superior follow-up and follow-through
¨ Excellent communication
¨ Attendance at sales meetings and shows
A/C/A Associates will also provide expert knowledge and feedback on market trends and the needs and expectations of buyers. We consult on all aspects of each program proposal from inception to execution to make the manufacturers’ efforts most successful. A/C/A Associates will always provide clients with a multi-faceted look at managing and securing sales and product distribution. We provide a full-time, trained office staff available to support Manufacturers and Customers with all needs.
A/C/A Associates offers manufacturers the strong level of national and regional account management that you would expect from in-house representation, with primary coverage in the Midwestern area of the United States and specializing in the unique Farm Store Channel.
Steve Abdo - Background
Steve has an extensive background and decades of experience in the toy industry sales space. A former toy industry executive, he began his career at Western Publishing, the children’s books, games and puzzle manufacturer most well-known for the classic and beloved Little Golden Books. After working his way up to Director of National Accounts at Western Publishing, he held Vice President positions at Hedstrom Corporation/ERO Industries, Inc. and Infant Advantage, Inc. before striking out on his own to start up A/C/A Associates, Inc. in 1999.
In A/C/A Associates’ nearly 25 years of operation, the agency has moved with the changing tides of the toy industry, representing many different manufacturers and working with a wide variety of retailers, always striving to create successful programs that benefit both partners, while building a reputation for outstanding service, account management, and support before, during, and after the sale.
In A/C/A Associates’ nearly 25 years of operation, the agency has moved with the changing tides of the toy industry, representing many different manufacturers and working with a wide variety of retailers, always striving to create successful programs that benefit both partners, while building a reputation for outstanding service, account management, and support before, during, and after the sale.
Trade Show Experience
A/C/A Associates can help you handle your Trade Show needs. With many years' worth of knowledge and experience attending trade shows we can help to ensure you get the desired meetings with key buyers. We make it our business to understand your line and help you to put together the best selection of items for each retailer or audience, and to help you present it in the most effective way. Primary shows that we regularly attend include:
North American International Toy Fair (Toy Fair New York)
Fall Toy Preview (New York, Dallas, and now in El Segundo, CA)
Mid-States Distributing Toy Extravaganza
Hong Kong Toy Show
Steve has extensive experience presenting toys at a wide variety of other types of shows ranging from specialty to partyware, to infant products, hardware, and more including outdoor shows, mass market shows, drugstore shows, and farm store shows. For a full list, see here (link)
North American International Toy Fair (Toy Fair New York)
Fall Toy Preview (New York, Dallas, and now in El Segundo, CA)
Mid-States Distributing Toy Extravaganza
Hong Kong Toy Show
Steve has extensive experience presenting toys at a wide variety of other types of shows ranging from specialty to partyware, to infant products, hardware, and more including outdoor shows, mass market shows, drugstore shows, and farm store shows. For a full list, see here (link)
Current List of Toy Manufacturers Represented
NKOK, Inc. – Irwindale, CA
Licensed R/C Vehicles, Mean Machines, Supreme Machines, HydroRacers, Stunt Twisterz, Flight Machines, Junior Racers, Junior Explorers, Big Ranch, Blastron, WowWorld, WowTech, WowPlay, and WowCreate toys; Licenses include Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota, and Polaris RC and vehicles; RealTree RC, vehicles, and role play; Pagani, Bugatti, Lamborghini RC cars; Sonic, SpongeBob, HALO, Blaze, and others
Best Ride-On Cars – Dallas, TX
RealTree and other Licensed Rechargeable Battery-Operated Ride-On Cars, Trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and Motorcycles
Explore Scientific - Springdale, AR
Quality Telescopes, Microscopes, Binoculars, and other Optics, STEM Toys
Licenses and brands include Bresser, National Geographic, Discovery, ExploreOne
Drybranch/Sport Design - Commack, NY
Sports Balls, Play Balls, Jr. Sports, Beach Toys
Paul K. Guillow - Wakefield, MA
Balsa Wood Planes and Gliders, Balsa Wood Model Kits, Hobby Wood
CDX Blocks – Elkton, VA
Construction Block Based Roller Coaster Models – Cyclone, Sidewinder, Flyer, Little Dipper, and more
Ponyland – Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
Plush Ride-On Rocking, Walking, and Spring Horses; Hobby Horses and other Ride-On Animals
Banzai – Kowloon, Hong Kong
Inflatable Pool Toys, Water Toys, Snow Toys, Play Centers, and Tents
Toy Box – Kowloon, Hong Kong
Traditional Role Play Toys, Music Toys, and Novelty Toys
Licensed R/C Vehicles, Mean Machines, Supreme Machines, HydroRacers, Stunt Twisterz, Flight Machines, Junior Racers, Junior Explorers, Big Ranch, Blastron, WowWorld, WowTech, WowPlay, and WowCreate toys; Licenses include Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota, and Polaris RC and vehicles; RealTree RC, vehicles, and role play; Pagani, Bugatti, Lamborghini RC cars; Sonic, SpongeBob, HALO, Blaze, and others
Best Ride-On Cars – Dallas, TX
RealTree and other Licensed Rechargeable Battery-Operated Ride-On Cars, Trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and Motorcycles
Explore Scientific - Springdale, AR
Quality Telescopes, Microscopes, Binoculars, and other Optics, STEM Toys
Licenses and brands include Bresser, National Geographic, Discovery, ExploreOne
Drybranch/Sport Design - Commack, NY
Sports Balls, Play Balls, Jr. Sports, Beach Toys
Paul K. Guillow - Wakefield, MA
Balsa Wood Planes and Gliders, Balsa Wood Model Kits, Hobby Wood
CDX Blocks – Elkton, VA
Construction Block Based Roller Coaster Models – Cyclone, Sidewinder, Flyer, Little Dipper, and more
Ponyland – Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
Plush Ride-On Rocking, Walking, and Spring Horses; Hobby Horses and other Ride-On Animals
Banzai – Kowloon, Hong Kong
Inflatable Pool Toys, Water Toys, Snow Toys, Play Centers, and Tents
Toy Box – Kowloon, Hong Kong
Traditional Role Play Toys, Music Toys, and Novelty Toys
Account Coverage
Top Tier Accounts
Flat River Group (Full-Service Ecommerce Provider) AMAZON
Mid-States Distributing Company and its Members*
Mid-Tier Accounts
Blain Supply
Bluestem Brands
Continuum Games (Specialty Distributor)
Colony Brands
Dunham's Sports
Fleet Farm
Hammacher Schlemmer
Rural King
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Winston Brands
*Mid-States Distributing Company Members
Atwoods
Big Blue of Clinton
Big R Lamar
Bomgaars
Country Supplier
D&B Supply
Family Center of Harrisonville
Farm King Supply
Gebo Distributing
Home of Economy
Jax Farm & Ranch
L&M Supply
Linton’s Big R
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home
Norby’s
North 40 Outfitters
Olney Rural King
Peavey Industries (Canada)
Quincy Farm Supply
Running Supply
Shipton’s Big R
Shopper’s Supply
Theisen Supply
Western Big R
Flat River Group (Full-Service Ecommerce Provider) AMAZON
Mid-States Distributing Company and its Members*
Mid-Tier Accounts
Blain Supply
Bluestem Brands
Continuum Games (Specialty Distributor)
Colony Brands
Dunham's Sports
Fleet Farm
Hammacher Schlemmer
Rural King
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Winston Brands
*Mid-States Distributing Company Members
Atwoods
Big Blue of Clinton
Big R Lamar
Bomgaars
Country Supplier
D&B Supply
Family Center of Harrisonville
Farm King Supply
Gebo Distributing
Home of Economy
Jax Farm & Ranch
L&M Supply
Linton’s Big R
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home
Norby’s
North 40 Outfitters
Olney Rural King
Peavey Industries (Canada)
Quincy Farm Supply
Running Supply
Shipton’s Big R
Shopper’s Supply
Theisen Supply
Western Big R
Achievements
Highlights of some of A/C/A Associates’ successful programs. We have a proven history of helping our vendors get a foot in the door and then growing the business.
- Established RealTree 12V ride-on vehicles from Best Ride On Cars in Farm Channel in 2019, with significant growth the second year, including a RealTree 12V UTV for Mid-States exclusive distribution. $1,000,000 sales in 2019 and 1,000,000+ in subsequent years.
- Helped introduce Coaster Dynamix unique plastic brick construction roller coasters to mass market, Amazon, and online retailers. Sales have grown continuously with Amazon and online with the addition of new SKUs.
- Developed, coordinated, and secured a $1.5 million retail promotion of Tech4Kids licensed Fash’ems/Mash’ems half pallets at Meijer, with successful sell though. (Q4 2017)
- Quadrupled Tech4Kids business at Meijer in first full year of representation and grew to over $1,000,000 cost sales in second year. Consistently attained key company incentives each year including Gemmies Activities and Toy Pallet program for December. (2014-2017)
- Implemented a new exclusive Breyer Horses five-SKU program to Walmart. (2012)
- Developed and created an exclusive 150 pc. tub set from CitiBlocs for ToysRUs Fall program. (2012)
- Served as contract National Sales Manager for Citiblocs; Managed 8 rep groups, 40+ reps, developed sales programs, consulted on all sales issues, published monthly newsletter. Responsibility included sales tracking, hiring groups and making changes where needed. (2010 – 2014)
- Added a full Halo R/C program to Kmart and Meijer, resulting in continued annual growth in the R/C program with new additions each year. (2010 – 2012)
- Secured new games listing for Zobmondo!! Entertainment at Kmart (Fall 2008) and ShopKo (Fall 2009); expanded Meijer Zobmondo!! listing to include full line of games (2009).
- Implemented a $1,000,000 Playhut program in Kmart Sporting Goods. (Fall 2007).
- Implemented a new $1,000,000+ eight-item Breyer Horses program at Kmart and Sears stores including key ad placement. (Q4 2006)
- Increased sales for Playhut in Midwest Territory from $1,500,000 to $2,500,000 in first year of representation, then to 3,000,000 and $3,700,000 in second and third years. Reestablished business at Kmart, Meijer, and Aldi. (2005-2007)
- Quadrupled puzzle and game business with Warren Industries at Meijer; established Warren Industries as Puzzle Category Captain at Meijer despite strong Hasbro dominance and influence. (2001 – 2005)
- Developed and secured full distribution at ToysRUs for an exclusive vinyl playball program for Mondo United, including 10,000 action aisle displays totaling $1,000,000. (2003)
Steve Abdo Full Resume
1999 – Present A/C/A Associates, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI
Owner/Manufacturers’ Representative
Current Manufacturers:
NKOK, Inc., Best Ride On Cars, Drybranch/Sport Design, Explore Scientific, Guillow's, Ponyland, KidKraft/Backyard Escapes, First Learning Banzai, Toy Box, Genesis, CDX Blocks, Playtime Fun
1998 – 1999 Infant Advantage, Inc., San Ramon, CA
Infant products company
Vice President Sales
1994 – 1998 Hedstrom Corporation/ERO Industries, Inc., Mt. Prospect, IL
Toy, juvenile, activity, sporting goods & BTS/Stationery products company
Vice President National Accounts
1980 – 1994 Western Publishing Company, Inc., Racine, WI
Largest manufacturer of children’s books, known as Golden Books, in US; Leading game and puzzle manufacturer
Director National Accounts 1991 – 1994
Great Lakes Regional Manager 1991
Senior National Account Executive 1986 – 1990
Regional Sales Executive – Northeast 1985 – 1986
Territory Sales Manager – Northeast 1980 – 1984
Owner/Manufacturers’ Representative
Current Manufacturers:
NKOK, Inc., Best Ride On Cars, Drybranch/Sport Design, Explore Scientific, Guillow's, Ponyland, KidKraft/Backyard Escapes, First Learning Banzai, Toy Box, Genesis, CDX Blocks, Playtime Fun
1998 – 1999 Infant Advantage, Inc., San Ramon, CA
Infant products company
Vice President Sales
- Marketed product to upscale independent baby specialty retailers and medical community
- Recruited, hired, trained, developed and structured company-employed field sales force, beginning with three sales executives and growing to sixteen
1994 – 1998 Hedstrom Corporation/ERO Industries, Inc., Mt. Prospect, IL
Toy, juvenile, activity, sporting goods & BTS/Stationery products company
Vice President National Accounts
- Managed $100 million quota for eastern US, in all mass market channels including Toys R Us and Kmart
- Developed special products programs for retailers and consistently listed new products
1980 – 1994 Western Publishing Company, Inc., Racine, WI
Largest manufacturer of children’s books, known as Golden Books, in US; Leading game and puzzle manufacturer
Director National Accounts 1991 – 1994
Great Lakes Regional Manager 1991
Senior National Account Executive 1986 – 1990
Regional Sales Executive – Northeast 1985 – 1986
Territory Sales Manager – Northeast 1980 – 1984
Trade Show Experience Full List
North American International Toy Fair (Toy Fair NY)
LA Fall Toy Preview
Mid-States Distributing Co. Fall Toy Extravaganza
Dallas October Fall Toy Preview
Hong Kong January Toy Fair
ABC Show
New York Pre-Toy Fair
International Halloween, Costume & Party Show, Las Vegas, NV
American International Outdoor Toy Show
Association of Independent Specialty Stores – Juvenile Products
National Independent Nursery Furniture Retailers Association (NINFRA)
The Super Show
International Juvenile Products Show (JPMA), Dallas, TX
Dallas International Trade Import Show, Dallas, TX
International Mass Retailers Association (IMRA)
International Hardware Show, Chicago, IL / Las Vegas, NV
International Marine Trade Expo & Conference
School & Home Office Products Association (SHOPA)
National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), Chicago, IL
National Spa & Pool Institute International Expo, (NSPI)
National Housewares Show, Chicago, IL
American Booksellers Association Expo
National Association of Chain Drug Store (NACDS)
LA Fall Toy Preview
Mid-States Distributing Co. Fall Toy Extravaganza
Dallas October Fall Toy Preview
Hong Kong January Toy Fair
ABC Show
New York Pre-Toy Fair
International Halloween, Costume & Party Show, Las Vegas, NV
American International Outdoor Toy Show
Association of Independent Specialty Stores – Juvenile Products
National Independent Nursery Furniture Retailers Association (NINFRA)
The Super Show
International Juvenile Products Show (JPMA), Dallas, TX
Dallas International Trade Import Show, Dallas, TX
International Mass Retailers Association (IMRA)
International Hardware Show, Chicago, IL / Las Vegas, NV
International Marine Trade Expo & Conference
School & Home Office Products Association (SHOPA)
National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), Chicago, IL
National Spa & Pool Institute International Expo, (NSPI)
National Housewares Show, Chicago, IL
American Booksellers Association Expo
National Association of Chain Drug Store (NACDS)